Vogue shows off return-to-’50s look

In this uncertain world, a woman can take comfort and solace in constructed, practical, even rigid clothes, says Sally Singer, fashion news director at Vogue.

The September issue of the magazine shows off 1950s-inspired pencil skirts, narrow-shoulder blouses, cardigan sweaters, neat handbags and high heels in a photo spread by Steven Meisel called “Heroine Chic.” Meisel and Vogue recreate scenes from Alfred Hitchcock movies, but, this time, the women are wearing Louis Vuitton and Prada.

“Those women … radiated the mesmerizing confidence that comes when you know you’re turned out in exquisite taste, even as the world collapses around you,” according to Vogue.

And in 2002, an evolution from the flowy, frilly bohemian styles that have dominated the runways and retail racks to “cold-war chic” wouldn’t come out of nowhere, Singer explains. “These clothes create order in even the most disorganized closet.”

She adds: “A pencil skirt and narrow blouse are the fashion equivalents of the ponytail. They look like you took time to pull yourself together, but you can do it in the least amount of time.”

The outfits, shown mostly in black, gray and white (“an icy white, not ‘Working Girl’ white,” says Singer), are easy to wear because all the separates coordinate, and most people prefer to shop for separates. Separates are perceived to have more economic value because they “take you day to night for a few seasons,” Singer says.

Skin cleansers should not burn or feel greasy

Good skin starts with clean skin, says Ling Chan, founder of The Ling Skin Care Line and owner of three spas in New York City.

She says her philosophy of proper skin care means treating skin with the respect it deserves. She embraces both ancient and cutting-edge ingredients and techniques in her quest for healthy skin.

When buying skin-care products, she encourages consumers to keep the following things in mind:

A good makeup remover should wipe off easily and leave skin feeling soft, not greasy. The makeup remover should break up and take off colored makeup.

Eye-makeup removers should effectively remove eye makeup while guarding against dryness in this sensitive area. If a product stings or you need to rub repeatedly, forget it.

Cleansers should clean skin without stripping natural oils, which protect our skin from aging. Look for non-greasy products, but steer clear of foam cleansers because they likely contain alcohol, which dries out skin.

Facial scrubs should remove surface impurities, prevent buildup and leave the skin brighter and with a glow. Choose a gentle scrub that can be used every day. She also says to avoid dry scrubs because rubbing or massaging dry skin will cause trauma.

Toners should soften skin, help it retain moisture and have moisturizing ingredients because water travels to the lower layers of the skin quickly. If you have a good toner it can help your skin absorb nutrients from your moisturizer. But, Ling adds, avoid toner with alcohol.

Clay masques should draw out oils and surface impurities lodged in the pores. But if a masque burns or your skin starts to flake after use, it means the product likely is stripping your skin completely.

Overall, Ling encourages use of fragrance-free or naturally scented products because often an added scent is what irritates skin.

Clear out closets, give items to charity

Most families have a “wardrobe manager,” the one person who does most of the clothing shopping for everyone else.

According to Sears, most people wear 20 percent of their clothes 80 percent of the time. The retailer says it created its new Covington apparel collection in an effort to help families’ hardworking chief purchasing officers become more efficient.

Sears’ style consultant Alison Deyette offers this fall shopping advice:

Create a budget. And stick to it.

Take stock. Create two piles, one with pieces worn most often, the other with things that haven’t been worn in the past year.

Give back. Take all the items in that hasn’t-been-worn-in-a-year pile and donate them to charity.

Replace and update wardrobe essentials. Now that the clutter has been cleared, determine what new pieces are needed. Buy timeless pieces that offer versatility and will fit into your existing wardrobe.